Pletcher horses arrive at Churchill Downs

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Most of trainer Todd Pletcher's Kentucky Derby contenders have arrived at Churchill Downs. Leading the group are Arkansas Derby winner Overanalyze and Wood Memorial champ Verrazano.

"We were hoping for an improved performance in his second start off the layoff," Pletcher said about Overanalyze. "We were hoping for a big effort, but he actually exceeded our expectations."

The 3-year-olds are stabled in Barn 34 for Pletcher.

Making their way to Louisville from Lexington following the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland were race runner-up Palace Malice and third-place finisher Charming Kitten.

"We were happy, but it's frustrating at the same time," Pletcher said. "We would have loved to win, but we were very pleased with their efforts. Both came out of the race well. We'll prepare as though (Charming Kitten) is going to get in (the Derby)."

On the Kentucky Derby points list, Verrazano is second with Overanalyze fifth. Palace Malice sits 13th and Charming Kitten is currently 21st. The top 20 will start in the Run for the Roses on May 4.